ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Light Combat Aircraft Tejas : a milestone in India’s military fighter aircraft technologies, says MoS for Defence and Tourism Shri Ajay Bhatt.
First LCA -Tejas twin seater handed over to Indian Air Force at HAL, Bengaluru
LCA fleet strength to be raised to 220, says Air Force Chief
HAL to scale-up manufacture of LCA Tejas : Chairman & MD.
Union Minister of State for Tourism and Defence Shri Ajay Bhatt has said that India has achieved self-reliance in military fighter aircraft contemporary technologies largely due to the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas programme. Tejas is the largest R&D programme ever undertaken in the country that made its maiden flight during 2001 and achieved various milestones since then. This is in tune with the national pursuit of "Aatmnirbhar", the Minister said.
Shri Ajay Bhatt was addressing at the handing over ceremony of the first LCA -Tejas twin seater to the Indian Air Force held at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited complex in Bengaluru today. The addition of the aircraft into IAF fleet marks a significant milestone at a time when India emerges as one of the very few global military powers, the Minister said. He complimented HAL and all other stakeholders who toiled for the making of the fighter aircraft.
LCA- Tejas, a light weight, all-weather, multi-role 4.5 generation aircraft, is designed with a strategic intent of graduating the budding pilots from the Twin Seater variants to fighter pilots. The indigenously developed aircraft has static stability, carefree maneuvering, integrated digital avionics systems and several other advanced features.
Chief of the Air Chief, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhary informed that discussions had already been held to hand over 83 LCAs to IAF and its fleet strength would be scaled up to 220 in near future.
Chairman and Managing Director, HAL, Shri C.B. Ananthakrishnan said that plans are afoot to make LCA-Tejas in high numbers in coming days. HAL plans to deliver eight twin seaters to IAF during the current fiscal out of a total of 18 supply orders received.
The company is also holding talks with several friendly countries towards exploiting the LCA Tejas platform abroad, he added.
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, top officials of HAL, IAF, DRDO and other production partners were present on the occasion.
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
All Political Parties condemn the Pulwama Terror Attack and pledge support to the Government
Nation stands united with peace-loving people of Kashmir in condemning cross border terrorism against India: Shri Narendra Singh Tomar
"The Nation is expressing its deep anguish against the cowardly terrorist attack on our security forces in Pulwama. We are fully geared to fight a decisive battle against the scourge of terrorism against our country and our government is committed to take this fight to its logical conclusion", said Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar while addressing the media here today. This address took place after the conclusion of the Meeting of floor leaders of various political parties in Parliament, on Pulwama terror attack, chaired by the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Rajnath Singh.
Condemning the dastardly attack, Shri Tomar said that, "the supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers shall not go in vain. The Government has given a free hand to the security forces to deal with the forces promoting terrorism against India”. Government of India, from the very beginning, has followed a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and this cowardly terrorist attack displays a sense of frustration in the terrorists due to this policy only, the Minister added.
The Government is standing strong with the bereaved family members of these Jawans and will not leave any stone unturned to help them. The Union Government has already requested all the State Governments to provide requisite aid to these families, the Minister informed.
Acknowledging the support of all political parties in the fight against terrorism, Shri Tomar said that the Nation stands united with the peace-loving people of Kashmir in condemning the forces encouraging cross border terrorism against India. The Minister said that there are elements in the State of Jammu Kashmir who are determined to unsettle the peace and are hand-in-glove with the terrorist forces. Such people are enemies to the Kashmiri Youth and they do not want that peace sustains in the State. Shri Tomar quoted the Home Minister and said that the Government is committed to eliminate the evil of terrorism from Jammu & Kashmir and return peace and tranquility to the State.
Shri Tomar also said that during the meeting all the political parties have, in one voice, condemned the terror attack and observed a two minute silence for the martyred soldiers. A resolution condemning this act of terrorism was also adopted during the meeting, the Minister informed.
Ministry of Finance
India, ADB sign $150 million loan to provide affordable housing for urban poor in Tamil Nadu
The Government of India and Asian Development Bank  on 7th December 2021 signed a $150 million loan to provide access to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable housing for the urban poor in the state of Tamil Nadu.
The signatories to the loan agreement for Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Housing for Urban Poor Sector Project in Tamil Nadu were Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance who signed for the Government of India, and Mr. Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, who signed for ADB.
After signing the loan agreement, Mr. Mishra said that the project is aligned with the Government of India’s development priorities and policies on urban sector development, particularly the flagship program PMAY-Housing for All , and will address housing shortage among poor urban dwellers in Tamil Nadu with provision of housing to eligible families.
“Rapid urbanization and growth in Tamil Nadu has created a housing shortfall particularly for low-income households,” said Mr. Konishi. “The project will provide access to affordable housing infrastructure and services to vulnerable and disadvantaged households and catalyze private sector investment in affordable housing”, he added.
Nearly half of Tamil Nadu’s 72 million population lives in urban areas making it one of the most urbanized states in India. Through the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, the project will construct housing units in nine different locations and relocate about 6,000 households vulnerable to natural hazards to safer locations. It will also help Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Town and Country Planning develop regional plans to map the state’s economic and infrastructure development including affordable housing, environmental protection, disaster risk management, and gender.
A portion of ADB’s assistance will be invested by the state government as equity into the Tamil Nadu Shelter Fund to catalyze private sector financing and support investments mainly in industrial housing and working women’s hostels for low-income and migrant workers.
In addition, ADB will provide a $1.5 million technical assistance  grant from its Technical Assistance Special Fund to support the capacity building of government agencies responsible for delivering affordable housing and regional planning in Tamil Nadu. The TA will document successful approaches to affordable housing delivery, including the graduation program for vulnerable relocated beneficiaries, that can be adopted in other cities and countries.
Special Service and Features
COMMISSIONING OF ICGS C-453
Indian Coast Guard Ship C-453, the 17thof the 18Interceptor Boat  project indigenously constructed by M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd., was commissioned at Chennai by Smt. Leena Nandan, IAS, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairson19 Feb 2021 in the presence of Shri Jiwesh Nandan, IAS, Additional Secretary, Department of Defence, Director General Krishnaswamy Natarajan, PVSM, PTM, TM, Director General Indian Coast Guard, Inspector General S Paramesh, PTM, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region  RAdm JS Mann, VSM, NM, VP & Head L&T shipyard and other Officials of Indian Coast Guard and M/s L&T shipyard.
ICGS C-453, the 27.80 Mtrs long Interceptor Boat with a displacement of 105 tons and Max Speed of 45 knots  is capable of undertaking multifarious tasks including Surveillance, Interdiction, close coast patrol, Search and Rescue, in addition to rendering assistance to boats and craft in distress at sea. The vessel is provided with advanced navigation and communication equipment for safe navigation. The quick reaction ability coupled with modern equipment and systems provides her the capability to swiftly respond to any maritime situation at very short notice. ICGS C-453 is commanded by Assistant Commandant Animesh Sharma and will be based at Chennai under the operational control of Commander, Coast Guard Region .
The Ship on joining the Coast Guard Eastern fleet will be deployed extensively for EEZ surveillance and other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard Charter, to safeguard the Maritime interests of India. The Indian Coast Guard with this Ship joining the fleet will have 157 Ships & Boats and 62 Aircraft. Further,40 Ships are at various stages of construction at different Shipyards in India and 16 Advanced Light Helicopters MK III are being accepted by M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru, which will provide the added teeth to the surveillance capabilities of the Coast Guard, to deal with the ever- dynamic maritime challenges.
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President's Secretariat
President of India to Grace the 18th Annual Convocation of NIT Rourkela and Inaugurate Super Specialty Hospital in Rourkela Steel Plant on March 21
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will visit Odisha from March 20 to 22, 2021.
In the evening of March 20, 2021, the President will reach Bhubaneswar.
On March 21, 2021, the President will grace the 18th annual convocation of NIT Rourkela. On the same day, he will also inaugurate a Super Specialty Hospital in the Rourkela Steel Plant.
On March 22, 2021, the President will visit the India Oil Foundation Trust Interpretation Centre at Konark, before returning to New Delhi.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
58.25 Cr. vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
25,072 new cases in the last 24 hours; lowest in 160 days
Active cases account for 1.03% of total cases; lowest since March 2020
India's Active caseload stands at 3,33,924; lowest in 155 days
Recovery Rate increases to 97.63%; Highest since March 2020
44,157 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,16,80,626
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 3% for last 59 days
Daily positivity rate  less than 3% for last 28 days
50.75 cr Total Tests conducted so far
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Direct Benefit Transfer in Farm Mechanization
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization’  with effect from 2014-15. The scheme is implemented by the respective State Governments and some of the major States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Haryana have their own online portals for implementing the scheme. The Department has also developed a Farm Machinery Direct Benefit Transfer  portal for implementation of SMAM and the State Governments of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Uttarkhand have on-boarded for implementation of SMAM through this portal. Farmers can register on this portal through online registrationin simple easy steps with Aadharnumber, mobile number and name as per Aadharcard. The illustrative user manual describing step by step process of registration of the farmers is also available on the portal.
Since inception of the SMAM, central grants amounting to Rs. 4865 crores have been released to different States during the period from 2014-15 to 2021-22 and through which more than 1323000 machines have been distributed to farmers and more than15400 Custom Hiring Centres, 360 Hi-tech hubs and 14200 Farm Machinery Banks have been established to make machines and equipments available to farmers on rental basis.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to visit Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu on 1 March 2019
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will visit Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu on 1 March 2019. He will unveil a series of development projects for
Kanyakumari and Tamil Nadu. These projects will play a vital role in enhancing rail and road connectivity throughout Tamil Nadu.
Railways
The Prime Minister will launch various railways projects at Kanyakumari . These include-Flagging-off of Tejas Express between Madurai and Chennai
Tejas Express will provide direct and faster connectivity between Madurai and Chennai.
Equipped with modern amenities, the Tejas Express will benefit number of day time passengers in the section.
This will be the second Tejas Express service, first being the one introduced between between Mumbai to Karmali.Laying of Foundation stone for the Restoration of Rail connectivity between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi
Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi are major pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu
Dhanushkodi railway station was destroyed during the 1964 Rameshwaram cyclone and have been lying abandoned since.
Restoration of the rail connectivity in the region, will be a huge boost to the tourism sector and will benefit thousands of pilgrims visiting the area.Laying of foundation stone for the Restoration of Pamban Bridge 
The Pamban Bridge provides rail link between the main land and the island of Rameshwaram.
The present bridge is 104 years old. The new bridge will replace the old one and will be built parallel to the present rail bridge.
The bridge will enhance the tourism potential of Rameshwaram region.
Road Transport
The Prime Minister will also launch various road transport projects at Kanyakumari, through the unveiling of plaque.
Dedication to the Nation of:2/4 Laning of Madurai- Ramanathapuram Section of NH-87
The section covers three districts in Tamil Nadu namely Madurai, Sivanganga and Ramanathapuram Flyovers at Marthandam junction and Parvathipuram junction of NH-47 in Kanyakumari district Four Laning of Panagudi to Kanyakumari section of NH-44
Laying of Foundation Stone of: Four Laning of Madurai – Chettikulam Section of NH-785
Four Laning of Chettikulam-Natham Section of NH-785 Launch of Road Safety Park and Transport Museum in Kanyakumari
These road infrastructure projects will strengthen the road connectivity in various regions in Tamil Nadu. It will ensure safe and fast journey for travellers.
Prime Minister will also address the gathering at Kanyakumari.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
220.15 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
44,397 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 2,342
Active cases stand at 0.01%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.8%
148 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,41,47,322
171 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
91.25 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 1,80,926 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Joint outcome statement: UK-India round twelve of FTA negotiations
Round twelve of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of India
The twelfth round of negotiations for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement  took place from the 8-31 August, 2023. As with previous rounds, this was conducted in a hybrid fashion - a number of UK officials travelled to Delhi for negotiations and others attended virtually.
On 24-25 August, 2023 India hosted the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Jaipur. The Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade visited India for the meeting and met with the Honourable Minister for Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Piyush Goyal. They took stock of the FTA and agreed ways to progress the negotiations.
The thirteenth round of negotiations is due to take place in September.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Commerce Ministry imposes Minimum Import Price on pepper
The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has approved the proposal of the Spices Board for fixing the CIF value of Rs.500/-per kg as Minimum Import Price for pepper to protect the interests of pepper growers.
In recent times, decline in the domestic pepper price due to cheaper import of pepper from other origins has been a major concern among pepper growers. Pepper prices have gone down by nearly 35 per cent in one year and have resulted in a lot of hardship for pepper growers.
Since most of the pepper-producing countries are in the ASEAN region, there have also been apprehensions of pepper from these countries, being routed through Sri Lanka taking advantage of lower duty under SAFTA and ISLFTA, for availing concessional import duty. Farmers' associations have demanded taking of stringent measures including fixing of Minimum Import Price  for pepper to prevent cheaper imports of pepper into the country from other origins.
Fixing of Minimum Import Price will help in improving the domestic price particularly when the harvesting season of pepper is fast approaching.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 180.30 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 15.80 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,80,30,59,600
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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15,80,54,336
More than 180.30 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 15.80 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Special Service and Features
Directorate of Distance Education  of Pondicherry University organises Blood Donation Camp on 20 september 2023
A blood donation camp was organised by the Directorate of Distance Education of Pondicherry University, in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Postgraduate Institute on 20 September 2023. This event saw almost 300 people come forward to donate blood on campus. This included students, faculty and even the most security personnel of the university. This event had begun in the morning and went on almost till afternoon.
The OSD of Culture and Cultural Relations, Prof. Rajeev Jain, inaugurated the camp and said "Blood donation is the best gift one can give to the mankind. It should help the younger generation to develop their social values." Dr Diana Sharmila, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Transfusion Medicine of Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital who was instrumental in this collaboration said that "there was a good response by the officials, teaching staff and students of the university to donate blood and a large number of blood bags were collected in the camp. The interested donors were physically examined before donation. It is a great initiatives taken by Pondicherry University".
“It is a hectic task to organise the event however it gives me great satisfaction that I can do something for the society. Every person who is fit and well to do should donate blood. I feel great that I am able to contribute for this noble cause, ” said Dr Arvind Gupta, the Director of the DDE of Pondicherry university.
The students after the donation of blood were treated with juice, biscuits and Donors Certificates were advised to consume fluids in order to make up for the loss of fluids from their body.
We were overwhelmed to see the response of the students and the other members of the University for this Camp,” said the doctors from the blood bank. Understanding the moral and social responsibility of the institution in view of the huge demand for life saving blood in the city, the vice chancellor of Pondicherry University, Prof Gurmeet Singh took the initiative of conducting this blood donation camp, said Dr Gupta. He further said “We are hoping that by conducting these camps students will be aware of the benefits of blood donation and how a unit of blood can save four lives."
Ministry of Finance
Never asked for a report, Inquiry being initiated: CBDT
The Central Board of Direct Taxes  has said today that there is some report circulating on social media regarding suggestions by a few IRS officers on tackling COVID-19 situation.
It is unequivocally stated that CBDT never asked IRS Association or these officers to prepare such a report. No permission was sought by the officers before going public with their personal views and suggestions on official matters, which is a violation of extant Conduct Rules. Necessary inquiry is being initiated in this matter.
It is reiterated that the impugned report does not reflect the official views of CBDT/Ministry of Finance in any manner.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS, SUBMARINE & LRMP AIRCRAFT REACH SINGAPORE TO PARTICIPATE IN SIMBEX 23
Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti and submarine INS Sindhukesari arrived in Singapore to participate in the 30th edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise , an annual bilateral Naval exercise between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy , which is being conducted since 1994. SIMBEX holds the distinction of being the longest continuous naval exercise that Indian Navy has with any other country.
SIMBEX-2023 is being conducted in two phases - Harbour Phase at Singapore from 21 to 24 September 2023, followed by a Sea Phase. Besides Ranvijay, Kavaratti and Sindhukesari, Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I is also participating in the exercise.
The Harbour Phase will witness a wide range of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges  and sports fixtures, aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.
The Sea Phase of SIMBEX 23 will involve complex and advanced air defence exercises, gunnery firings, tactical manoeuvres, anti-submarine exercises and other maritime operations. Units of both the navies will endeavour to hone their war-fighting skills while consolidating their capability to undertake multi-discipline operations jointly in the maritime domain.